I held his paw and slept by his side for 14 days in hospital. But it turned out, all the love in the world wasn’t enough to save him. Thus begins the final post on Life of Dozer.
My dearest Dozer,
You came into my life in my arms, holding you protectively. And after almost 14 years together, I held you in my arms protectively again as I said goodbye.
I was sobbing so hard, I forgot everything I wanted to say to you in our final moments together.
So I started writing this letter to you, to say all those things.
I wanted to reminisce about our wonderful times – the thousands of visits to the dog beach, all the wonderful food we sampled together, the cuddles, the neck-scratching-sessions, our road trips.
I wanted to thank you for spreading the joy that is you with readers all around the world, for happily coming along with me to meet readers at events, book signings, fund raisers, lunches, dinners, not to mention TV shows, photo shoots, and my gosh, we can’t forget our stint on Play School!
But as I sit here, typing away with tears streaming down my face, I realise that’s not what I want to say to you.
What I want to say is thank you.
Thank you for giving me your whole heart.
Thank you for giving me your unconditional loyalty.
Thank you for loving me just as I am, for all my flaws, for never caring what I weigh, what I wear, what I look like.
Thank you for always being there, my one constant through the good and bad times.
Thank you for making me smile, even on the hardest of days.
And thank you for trying so hard to stay with me as long as you could, fighting to heal until your very last day. I will never forget how deep you had to dig to find the strength for your rehab walk on our final morning together.
I know that one day, I will be able to look at photos of you again without sobbing. And I know all this pain I am feeling is because I loved you so fiercely and completely, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second I got to spend with you.
But right now, four days after saying goodbye, it feels like the heartbreak will never heal, like I will never smile again.
Rest in peace, my darling Dozer. I will never forget you, and I will never stop loving you.
Love,
Your mum xoxo
Thank you SASH
To the vets and nurses at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH),
Thank you for the extraordinary care, skill, and kindness you showed Dozer. Every moment, from the medical expertise to the gentle reassurance and cheering him on, meant more to me than I can say. Knowing he was in such capable, compassionate hands gave me comfort during the hardest days. I will always be deeply grateful for everything you did for my beautiful boy. – Nagi x
I am SO SO sad to read your last posts on Dozer. I only recently got your cookbooks, and the beautiful photos of you both are a joy. May the heartbreak you are feeling be eased a bit by the wonderful memories (and photos) you have of a life well lived together. Sending hugs from the USA.
Hugs.
Dear Nagi, I’m so sorry for your loss. You will find strength to get through this – the pain will eventually ease but the love and beautiful memories will remain strong. You both were so lucky to have each other.
I’m so sad for you, Nagi. I think we all loved seeing you and the great Dozer together in your posts and understand how much you will miss him. But what a fortunate dog he was living the best life surrounded by love. Sending much love. X
💔 🐾 💜
Our beloved furry companions are family members we chose for ourselves. Wishing you the comfort of beautiful memories of Dozer to ease your grief. ❤️🩹
Just hugs. Nothing helps apart from doing the time. Take care
So sorry, nagi. Other people have said things more eloquently than I can. I remember losing my 2 moggie friends. Our pets – they are family…..
I’m so sorry Nagi. I have had dogs all my life and I’ve loved every single one of them. The pain will ease. Thinking of you xxx
My deepest condolences for the loss of your most loyal companion. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute with us. I know Dozer felt the same about you! What an amazing bond between the two of you, and the most beautiful memories to heal your shattered heart. Hang in there Nagi…take all the time you need and know that your loyal followers are sending you love, hugs and prayers for strength in the days ahead. XOXOXO
Sending you love and tight hugs Nagi ♥️. Run free off leash Beautiful Boy 🐶💙
Dear Nagi, thank you for sharing your loving tribute to your dearest Dozer. I had a beautiful boy for 15 years & understand how bereft you would be feeling. My heart goes out to you. I hope the love you are receiving from so many will give you some comfort. Sending much love.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Dozer, He knows how much you loved him,❤️ Thinking of you!!
With tears and sadness l read about your last day’s with Dozer, what a difficult time for you, so much love and so many memories may he rest in peace and may time and heal your pain.! Thinking of you xx
Charlie died 13 years ago and as I type his name the tears are still welling up in my eyes. A very wise man said to me “a pet that is a part of the family gets into one’s soul and never leaves us”. It gave me comfort knowing that Charlie remains in my heart and soul and I’m sure the same will always remain with you and Dozer.
Hello Nagi
Dozer could not have had more love and care than you gave him.
Paul
Oh Nagi! You’ve lost your dearest friend, confidante, recipe tester, beach buddy, snuggle monkey, travel companion and so on…. I’m SOOOOO Devastated for you and for your wider team and family members.
Here’s hoping that your grieving process is as smooth as possible.
I utterly loved reading the Dozer updates- funny, honest stories that just made you (me) smile 😍
Everyone who knew Dozer will remember him xxxx 💙🐾🐾
So sorry for your pain. I know it well, we lost our Pyr last year, I still break out in tears, and now for you too. My first stop on your site was always life of Dozer. He might cross the Rainbow first, but he’ll meet you there.
Dearest Nagi, I woke up this morning, wondering how you are, and hoping that you are somehow ok.
You and Dozer gave all of us all so very much.
If not for you both, I think at least half of Australia would not be cooking and eating in their homes so well, and so economically, as we do now.
I still remember how I first heard of you and Dozer, back in 2020, covid times. We had purchased a vintage Laura Ashley sofa from a lovely couple in Eumundi, and as we were about to drive off, in our hired van, with our two beloved part bred poodles, they told us about you, how the recipes were free, and how they actually worked, every single time. Which they do, every single time, and Dozer was there right beside you, for the whole journey, of which we were privileged to share.
Sending you love, as I am sure Dozer is sending you all his love, from the stars.
There is no better friendship than the one who holds your heart and soul We were blessed to have known Dozer
I am so sorry for your loss. You gave Dozer the best life a doggie could possibly have, and he crossed that rainbow bridge full of your love.